PA is a third-world state because of funding issues

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Pennsylvania has a funding problem. Yes, right now, there is a budget surplus, but for decades state government has slowly been starving essential services such as police, education and roads/infrastructure. There are a lot of issues — too many loopholes and tax exemptions for corporations (a shocking number of profitable companies pay nothing in...

Hess named as ORJSD’s Citadel Heart of Learning finalist

Pictured left to right is Dr. Will Stout, OJRSD superintendent; Amy Hess, Citadel Heart of Learning finalist; Dr. Malinda McKillip, French Creek Elementary School principal; and Dr. Kathy Soeder, OJRSD assistant superintendent. The Owen J. Roberts School District (OJRSD) announced Amy Hess, an elementary teacher at French Creek Elementary, as one of 15 outstanding Chester County educators and 31...

Parents don’t have — and shouldn’t have — the only voice in public education

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa I hate to break it to you, but parents don’t — and shouldn’t — get the last word when it comes to public education. Should parents have some say? Sure, and they do (arguably an outsized voice already), but they are far from the only constituency school districts and school boards have to balance to truly represent the greater community. The...

Jakatt named CCIU’s Heart of Learning Award finalist

Jessica Jakatt COATESVILLE — Traditionally, when we think of heroes, those that come to mind fly around in capes, defeat supervillains and save entire cities from destruction. These comic book heroes are fun and inspiring, but as our current situation has undoubtedly shown, the real-life heroes of today are the ones putting on medical scrubs, working at the grocery store and teaching our children...

Could Wolf’s call on HS sports help reelect Trump?

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa It’s probably not Gov. Tom’s Wolf’s intention, but if his actions this week prevent fall high school sports, he may have unwittingly helped reelect President Donald Trump. Before you lose your — well, you know — hear me out. Generally speaking, I’ve been pretty consistent in my praise of Wolf’s actions regarding COVID-19. His aggressive...

CCIU celebrates 50 years of providing career & technical education in Chester County

Current and former students and staff from the Central Chester County Technical School, Northern Chester County Technical School, Center for Arts & Technology (CAT) Brandywine Campus, Center for Arts & Technology (CAT) Pickering Campus, TCHS Brandywine Campus, TCHS Pickering Campus and TCHS Pennock’s Bridge Campus gathered at the Celebration of 50 years of providing career and technical...

CCIU tabs Fiore as new Executive Director

Dr. George Fiore The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Board of Directors appointed Dr. George Fiore as its next executive director at a special Board meeting held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at the CCIU Educational Service Center in Downingtown. “We are turning a new page, and going into a new era for the IU,” said CCIU Board President Bonnie Wolff. “I am looking forward to working...

Online daters are wealthier and better educated

By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times Yes, I love research, data, and statistical analysis that prove my own theories. In fact, I’m quite arrogant at times when I’m convinced I’m right about something – especially when it comes to dating. As you all have read in my columns, I keep asserting the fact that there are many erudite men and women to be found on these online dating sites. Well,...

Art Watch: August ‘First Friday’ Gallery openings and artistic fresh starts

  By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times By now most everyone knows that studies have shown that having some creative outlet in your life increases longevity and personal happiness; but where to begin? This August, consider signing up for Fall classes at the many art associations in our area, or a class with private art teachers, or going back to school, or entering an art competition. The greater...

Letter: To save public education, Senate must reject DeVos

To The Editor, When describing public education in America our President-Elect Donald Trump compared our schools to third world countries. To fix the education system at a national level, he has chosen Betsy DeVos as education secretary. The former leader of the Michigan Republican Party, DeVos’ only contribution to education policy has been advocating for school vouchers and charter schools....